Relegation Candidates Preview

Last updated : 04 February 2011 By Paul Neat

The Lilywhites play host to Bristol City on Saturday in a bid to kick-start their season but elsewhere in the Championship the other contestants of this ill-fated fight to avoid the drop will be looking to do the same.

Thus, here is your comprehensive guide to the relegation battle that has bestowed itself upon us and the Deepdale faithful so you’ll know just who is playing, where and anything else you'll need to know.

Crystal Palace Vs Middlesbrough

Venue: Selhurst Park

Date: Saturday 5th February 2011

Kickoff: 3PM

Crystal Palace overall: LWLDDD Home: WWDWDD
Middlesbrough overall: WDDWDW Away: LLWDLW

Stefan Iverson

This fixture features two sides that have triumphed over the Lilywhites in their last six games with Palace now unbeaten at home during that period. Meanwhile, since the appointment of Tony Mowbray at the Riverside, Boro have managed to find some form and are currently on a run of six games unbeaten. However, the North East club have only managed one away win all season, that result came back in November with a 2-0 win over Scunthorpe.

Odds

Boro are the bookies favourites with odds of 6/4 over Palace’s 7/4 with 23/10 being offered for a stalemate.

Scunthorpe United Vs Hull City

Venue: Glanford Park

Date: Saturday 5th February 2011

Kickoff: 3PM

Scunthorpe United overall: WLLLDL Home: LLLLLD
Hull City overall: LWWDDD Away: WDDWWD

Weather permitting, of course, Glanford Park will play host to the Humber derby between the Iron and the Tigers. Astonishingly, Scunthorpe have not won at home in the league since September when the Iron recorded a 3-0 win over fellow strugglers Crystal Palace.

Scunthorpe United

Hull on the other hand have not suffered defeat on their travels in their last six outings. Their their last away defeat dates back to September when the Tigers were somewhat toothless against a rampant Burnley side.

Odds

Given the recent form there’s no surprises in seeing Hull City as favourite with odds of 5/4 whilst Scunthorpe have 21/10 and a draw at 12/5.

Ipswich Town Vs Sheffield United

Venue: Portman Road

Date: Saturday 5th February 2011

Ipswich Town Overall: WDLLWW Home: LLLWLW
Sheffield United Overall: LLDDLL Away: WLLLLD

The Blades make up the bottom three after a winless run of six games including two defeats on the spin. Their last away win goes back to the middle of November when what was then Gary Speed’s side eased past Millwall at the New Den. The Tractor boys are on a good run of form at home having picked up victories over Doncaster, Leicester and a little known side referred to as the Arsenal.

Micky Adams

Odds

Paul Jewell’s side are at 10/11 to seal victory whilst the Blades are at 3/1 and a draw at 12/5.

The form guides indicate that, if the trend follows, there’s a good chance of results going North End’s way this weekend. Phil Brown and his side just need to do their bit against the Robins.